![Foods that can trigger migraines](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_65fdb915062bb.jpg)
![Foods that can trigger migraines](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_65c3a039a4e10.jpg)
![Foods that can trigger migraines](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_65c3a03503776.jpg)
![Foods that can trigger migraines](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_65c3a033466a6.jpg)
![Foods that can trigger migraines](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_65c3a03424c5a.jpg)
![Foods that can trigger migraines](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_65c3a03cb6151.jpg)
![Foods that can trigger migraines](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_65c3a03828502.jpg)
![Foods that can trigger migraines](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_65c3a02ee48ae.jpg)
![Foods that can trigger migraines](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_65c3a030cf0b8.jpg)
![Foods that can trigger migraines](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_65c3a0404f4a9.jpg)
![Foods that can trigger migraines](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_65c3a03b95884.jpg)
![Foods that can trigger migraines](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_65c3a04578769.jpg)
![Foods that can trigger migraines](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_65c3a0462485e.jpg)
![Foods that can trigger migraines](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_65c3a0464f732.jpg)
![Foods that can trigger migraines](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_65c3a04bd6fb5.jpg)
![Foods that can trigger migraines](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_65c3a045d9587.jpg)
![Foods that can trigger migraines](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_65c3a03ed0e71.jpg)
![Foods that can trigger migraines](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_65c3a04306cb0.jpg)
![Foods that can trigger migraines](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_65c3a045d3e2f.jpg)
![Foods that can trigger migraines](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_65c3a02750419.jpg)
![Foods that can trigger migraines](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_65c3a0254aa3f.jpg)
![Foods that can trigger migraines](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_65c3a034620d2.jpg)
![Foods that can trigger migraines](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_65c3a0338e492.jpg)
![Foods that can trigger migraines](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_65c3b2ef0f729.jpg)
![Foods that can trigger migraines](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_65c3b2f02f3e2.jpg)
![Foods that can trigger migraines](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_65c3a023da22e.jpg)
![Foods that can trigger migraines](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_65c3a0186bc23.jpg)
![Foods that can trigger migraines](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_65c3a0241a0a7.jpg)
![Foods that can trigger migraines](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_65c3a019e1fcf.jpg)
![Foods that can trigger migraines](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_65c3a0169dda6.jpg)
See Also
See Again
© Shutterstock
0 / 30 Fotos
Aged cheeses
- Aged cheeses, such as Gorgonzola, Camembert, and cheddar, contain a substance called tyramine. It forms when a food's aging causes the breakdown of proteins.
© Shutterstock
1 / 30 Fotos
Aged cheeses
- The longer the cheese has aged, the higher the tyramine content will be. And tyramine is a chemical that has commonly been cited as a migraine trigger.
© Shutterstock
2 / 30 Fotos
Pickled and fermented foods
- Like aged cheeses, pickled and fermented foods can contain high amounts of tyramine.
© Shutterstock
3 / 30 Fotos
Pickled and fermented foods
- These foods include pickles, kimchi, kombucha, pickled okra, and pickles jalapeños.
© Shutterstock
4 / 30 Fotos
Cured or processed meats
- Cured or processed meats, such as ham, hot dogs, and sausages, might set off a migraine. All of them contain preservatives called nitrates, which preserve color and flavor.
© Shutterstock
5 / 30 Fotos
Cured or processed meats
- These foods can release nitric oxide into the blood, which is thought to dilate blood vessels in the brain, and cause or contribute to migraines.
© Shutterstock
6 / 30 Fotos
Citrus fruits
- Foods that contain high amounts of citric acid, like oranges and other citrus fruits, have been associated with headache pain.
© Shutterstock
7 / 30 Fotos
Citrus fruits
- While this food group is still up for debate, a 2016 study noted that citrus fruits were significant potential triggers for migraine with aura but not migraine without aura. Migraine auras are visual symptoms, such as flickering lights, zigzag lines, or blind spots.
© Shutterstock
8 / 30 Fotos
Foods containing MSG
- Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is the sodium salt of the common amino acid glutamic acid, which is naturally present in our bodies and in many foods and food additives.
© Shutterstock
9 / 30 Fotos
Foods containing MSG
- While it's considered safe to eat, some researchers link it to migraine attacks. The American Migraine Foundation notes that MSG may trigger severe migraine episodes in 10-15% of those with migraines.
© Shutterstock
10 / 30 Fotos
Alcohol
- According to a 2018 study in the European Journal of Neurology, alcoholic beverages were reported as a trigger by 35.6% of participants with migraines.
© Shutterstock
11 / 30 Fotos
Alcohol
- Red wine in particular was reported as a trigger in over 77% of the participants who indicated alcohol as a trigger.
© Shutterstock
12 / 30 Fotos
Caffeine
- Too much caffeine has been linked with migraines for many years; on the one hand, as a trigger, and, on the other, as a cure.
© Shutterstock
13 / 30 Fotos
Caffeine
- A 2021 study in the journal Nutrients found that caffeine overuse may lead to migraines, and sudden caffeine withdrawal can trigger migraine attacks.
© Shutterstock
14 / 30 Fotos
Chocolate
- According to the American Migraine Foundation, chocolate is believed to be the second most common trigger for migraine attacks after alcohol.
© Shutterstock
15 / 30 Fotos
Chocolate
- Chocolate contains both caffeine and beta-phenylethylamine, which may trigger headaches in some people.
© Shutterstock
16 / 30 Fotos
Artificial sweeteners
- Most processed foods contain artificial sweeteners, which are sugar alternatives that are added to sweeten foods and drinks.
© Shutterstock
17 / 30 Fotos
Artificial sweeteners
- But these sweeteners can trigger migraine episodes, in particular the artificial sweetener called aspartame.
© Shutterstock
18 / 30 Fotos
Nuts
- The Association of Migraine Disorders identifies nuts, including peanut butter and all seeds, as a common migraine trigger, as they are a phenylalanine-containing food.
© Shutterstock
19 / 30 Fotos
Nuts
- Phenylalanines are amino acids that can affect vascular tone, which may have a role in migraines.
© Shutterstock
20 / 30 Fotos
Frozen foods
- Consuming frozen foods and drinks like ice cream or slushies can trigger intense, stabbing pains in the head.
© Shutterstock
21 / 30 Fotos
Frozen foods
- You're more likely to experience headaches that become migraine attacks if you're consuming cold food quickly, after exercising, or when overheated.
© Shutterstock
22 / 30 Fotos
Salty foods
- Salty processed foods, which may contain harmful preservatives, could trigger migraines in some people.
© Shutterstock
23 / 30 Fotos
Salty foods
- Consuming high levels of sodium can increase blood pressure, causing headaches or migraine attacks.
© Shutterstock
24 / 30 Fotos
Identifying your triggers
- There are a number of things you can do to spot and eliminate any food- or drink-related triggers.
© Shutterstock
25 / 30 Fotos
Keep a diary - Keep a headache diary and note your food and beverage consumption for a few weeks, including if any triggered a migraine.
© Shutterstock
26 / 30 Fotos
Pay attention to what you consumed
- When you get a migraine attack, pay attention to what you consumed in the 24 hours leading up to it, as well as any other triggers.
© Shutterstock
27 / 30 Fotos
Avoid a potential trigger
- If you suspect a food, drink, or additive to be a trigger, avoid it for four weeks. Food elimination is a diet that omits food believed to cause adverse reaction. By avoiding them for four weeks, you’ll get enough time for your body to respond.
© Shutterstock
28 / 30 Fotos
Migraine attack pattern
- Pay attention to your migraine attack pattern. If there's no change, it's unlikely to be a food- or drink-related trigger. Sources: (Healthline) (Health.com) (Sutter Health) See also: Why you feel hungover even when you haven’t been drinking
© Shutterstock
29 / 30 Fotos
© Shutterstock
0 / 30 Fotos
Aged cheeses
- Aged cheeses, such as Gorgonzola, Camembert, and cheddar, contain a substance called tyramine. It forms when a food's aging causes the breakdown of proteins.
© Shutterstock
1 / 30 Fotos
Aged cheeses
- The longer the cheese has aged, the higher the tyramine content will be. And tyramine is a chemical that has commonly been cited as a migraine trigger.
© Shutterstock
2 / 30 Fotos
Pickled and fermented foods
- Like aged cheeses, pickled and fermented foods can contain high amounts of tyramine.
© Shutterstock
3 / 30 Fotos
Pickled and fermented foods
- These foods include pickles, kimchi, kombucha, pickled okra, and pickles jalapeños.
© Shutterstock
4 / 30 Fotos
Cured or processed meats
- Cured or processed meats, such as ham, hot dogs, and sausages, might set off a migraine. All of them contain preservatives called nitrates, which preserve color and flavor.
© Shutterstock
5 / 30 Fotos
Cured or processed meats
- These foods can release nitric oxide into the blood, which is thought to dilate blood vessels in the brain, and cause or contribute to migraines.
© Shutterstock
6 / 30 Fotos
Citrus fruits
- Foods that contain high amounts of citric acid, like oranges and other citrus fruits, have been associated with headache pain.
© Shutterstock
7 / 30 Fotos
Citrus fruits
- While this food group is still up for debate, a 2016 study noted that citrus fruits were significant potential triggers for migraine with aura but not migraine without aura. Migraine auras are visual symptoms, such as flickering lights, zigzag lines, or blind spots.
© Shutterstock
8 / 30 Fotos
Foods containing MSG
- Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is the sodium salt of the common amino acid glutamic acid, which is naturally present in our bodies and in many foods and food additives.
© Shutterstock
9 / 30 Fotos
Foods containing MSG
- While it's considered safe to eat, some researchers link it to migraine attacks. The American Migraine Foundation notes that MSG may trigger severe migraine episodes in 10-15% of those with migraines.
© Shutterstock
10 / 30 Fotos
Alcohol
- According to a 2018 study in the European Journal of Neurology, alcoholic beverages were reported as a trigger by 35.6% of participants with migraines.
© Shutterstock
11 / 30 Fotos
Alcohol
- Red wine in particular was reported as a trigger in over 77% of the participants who indicated alcohol as a trigger.
© Shutterstock
12 / 30 Fotos
Caffeine
- Too much caffeine has been linked with migraines for many years; on the one hand, as a trigger, and, on the other, as a cure.
© Shutterstock
13 / 30 Fotos
Caffeine
- A 2021 study in the journal Nutrients found that caffeine overuse may lead to migraines, and sudden caffeine withdrawal can trigger migraine attacks.
© Shutterstock
14 / 30 Fotos
Chocolate
- According to the American Migraine Foundation, chocolate is believed to be the second most common trigger for migraine attacks after alcohol.
© Shutterstock
15 / 30 Fotos
Chocolate
- Chocolate contains both caffeine and beta-phenylethylamine, which may trigger headaches in some people.
© Shutterstock
16 / 30 Fotos
Artificial sweeteners
- Most processed foods contain artificial sweeteners, which are sugar alternatives that are added to sweeten foods and drinks.
© Shutterstock
17 / 30 Fotos
Artificial sweeteners
- But these sweeteners can trigger migraine episodes, in particular the artificial sweetener called aspartame.
© Shutterstock
18 / 30 Fotos
Nuts
- The Association of Migraine Disorders identifies nuts, including peanut butter and all seeds, as a common migraine trigger, as they are a phenylalanine-containing food.
© Shutterstock
19 / 30 Fotos
Nuts
- Phenylalanines are amino acids that can affect vascular tone, which may have a role in migraines.
© Shutterstock
20 / 30 Fotos
Frozen foods
- Consuming frozen foods and drinks like ice cream or slushies can trigger intense, stabbing pains in the head.
© Shutterstock
21 / 30 Fotos
Frozen foods
- You're more likely to experience headaches that become migraine attacks if you're consuming cold food quickly, after exercising, or when overheated.
© Shutterstock
22 / 30 Fotos
Salty foods
- Salty processed foods, which may contain harmful preservatives, could trigger migraines in some people.
© Shutterstock
23 / 30 Fotos
Salty foods
- Consuming high levels of sodium can increase blood pressure, causing headaches or migraine attacks.
© Shutterstock
24 / 30 Fotos
Identifying your triggers
- There are a number of things you can do to spot and eliminate any food- or drink-related triggers.
© Shutterstock
25 / 30 Fotos
Keep a diary - Keep a headache diary and note your food and beverage consumption for a few weeks, including if any triggered a migraine.
© Shutterstock
26 / 30 Fotos
Pay attention to what you consumed
- When you get a migraine attack, pay attention to what you consumed in the 24 hours leading up to it, as well as any other triggers.
© Shutterstock
27 / 30 Fotos
Avoid a potential trigger
- If you suspect a food, drink, or additive to be a trigger, avoid it for four weeks. Food elimination is a diet that omits food believed to cause adverse reaction. By avoiding them for four weeks, you’ll get enough time for your body to respond.
© Shutterstock
28 / 30 Fotos
Migraine attack pattern
- Pay attention to your migraine attack pattern. If there's no change, it's unlikely to be a food- or drink-related trigger. Sources: (Healthline) (Health.com) (Sutter Health) See also: Why you feel hungover even when you haven’t been drinking
© Shutterstock
29 / 30 Fotos
Foods that can trigger migraines
Some foods can bring on one heck of a headache!
© Shutterstock
Many things can trigger a migraine attack, including what we eat and drink. While there's no such thing as a universal migraine trigger, some people find that eating or drinking certain things can trigger migraine attacks. It also appears that certain additives, artificial sweeteners, preservatives, and flavor enhancers trigger headaches in some migraine sufferers. The problem is that food triggers are highly individualized, making research difficult. But there are some common triggers that can cause or contribute to migraine episodes in some people.
Curious? Browse the following gallery to discover common migraine food triggers.
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
![Can red meat cause type 2 diabetes?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d9c1da976cb.jpg)
![The true dangers of West Nile virus](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d99bcbae9d8.jpg)
![Does sleeping in during the weekend lower your health risks?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d5876a2092a.jpg)
![Ozempic diet? What you should (and shouldn't) eat on GLP-1 medication](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d85a717d263.jpg)
![Everything you need to know about multiple sclerosis](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d84c35eca80.jpg)
![Easy daily habits for a faster metabolism](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d8470494ed7.jpg)
![Can you reverse type 2 diabetes?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d8460d476cc.jpg)
![Eat these foods if you want to lower your blood pressure](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d83f5b288d9.jpg)
![These are the worst things you could do for your eyes](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d83dab62128.jpg)
![The warning signs of young onset dementia](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d82ede64f52.jpg)
![The ways holding in a sneeze can damage your body](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d8284b04272.jpg)
![Do women go through midlife crises?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d1bfab43d6b.jpg)
![Common overlooked signs of depression](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_668fd41f59792.jpg)
![Scary secrets your surgeon definitely won’t tell you](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_6683dd12553bf.jpg)
![These cancers are on the rise in younger generations](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d048e3bf50d.jpg)
![Could eating meat give you a UTI?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d09b6cbecf0.jpg)
![Hypochlorhydria: when your stomach can’t break down food](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d041bcb43a2.jpg)
![The history of the World Health Organization](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_5e6b374cf2e67.jpg)
![Triple E: Why is eastern equine encephalitis potentially so deadly?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66cf3d75c3f5a.jpg)
!["Sloth fever": How dangerous is the Oropouche virus?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_6669b3cdd53ba.jpg)
![What happens to your body if you only eat fruit?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66c857f4693d3.jpg)
![The risks of developing metabolic syndrome](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66c852c290ac6.jpg)
![Sensitive skin: causes, care, and when to seek help](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66c376117d4a4.jpg)
![Times the WHO declared a public health emergency](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66c32810ceeb6.jpg)
![The six types of depression, according to science](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66ba2976bc8df.jpg)
![Why do we celebrate World Mosquito Day?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_5b755c3ed068d.jpg)
![Makhana: The superfood taking over fields in northern India](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66bf7c5f37817.jpg)
![The aggressive brain cancer that kills in record time](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66ab8e429e16a.jpg)
![The oldest known diseases in the world](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66bb8ad5ca1dc.jpg)
![If you have these symptoms, you could be allergic to the sun](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66bf256eefff6.jpg)
![Nighttime fitness: is working out in the evening a good idea?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66b6468038992.jpg)
![The incredible benefits of exercising with friends](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66b630c4decc6.jpg)
![Everything you need to know about melasma](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66b1ed1dd50b1.jpg)
![Step into slim: your guide to walking for weight loss](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66b0c4e0e4927.jpg)
![What is an existential crisis, and how can you overcome it?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66b3714413ee9.jpg)
![Should your kids be more active? Follow these tips](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66b3a1725423b.jpg)
MOST READ
- Last Hour
- Last Day
- Last Week